All about braids

It’s all about braids. Last September, this look showed up all over the spring Fashion Week runways not just in New York but even in Paris at the Valentino show. With the fall shows that just took place in New York and Paris underway, this trend shows no sign of going anywhere. Braids of all varieties went down the runways: There were braided updos, messy ones, sleek ones and even ones that looked a little Princess Leia-like at Marc Jacobs. Other shows where braids had a star turn were Marchesa, Gretchen Jones, Betsy Johnson, Joy Cioci and Rachel Zoe.

Braids are a fun look: not too hard to pull off at home and certainly a great cure for a bad hair day. If you want to get in on this look, Redken Brand Ambassador and top runway and celebrity hairstylist Rodney Cutler tells us the easiest braid for you to do at home is one you can easily see and reach. He feels the fishtail style is a top DIY because it "looks super intricate but in fact is just two strands that are woven together. It's a great look for everyday and is also great for a night out."

To get a perfect braid at home, he gives us these tips

"Use a matte paste that's not going to create too much grip or hold but will provide texture as you style. For fine hair, I would suggest Redken tousle whip 04 soft texturizing cream-wax, and for normal to coarse hair, Redken rough paste 12 working material is great. A light hairspray is also key for finishing the style, or even to prep with to create extra grip while braiding -- I like fashion work 12 versatile working spray."

If it's the fishtail you want to tackle, we have Sebastian Professional stylist Anthony Cole's how-to from the look he created at Pamela Love's spring 2012 show last fall.

Take a 1/4-inch piece of hair from the bottom of one section and pull it out and over, and add it to the other side. Repeat this with the other section and continue repeating this maneuver until the braid is complete. *Expert tip: Use sections of hair larger than 1/4-inch towards the bottom of the ponytail so that the braid does not thin out.

Secure the braid with elastic. For a more textured look, run fingers up and down the braid and pull out random pieces.